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Biomedical subjects

A P Sclafani

Publications and source records attributed to A P Sclafani.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Endoscopic forehead lifting and contouring.

The concept of endoscopic foreheadplasty is based upon a sub- or supraperiosteal dissection of the parietal, occipital and frontal scalp, incision and release of the superior and lateral orbital periosteum, selective myotomies of the brow depressor muscles, and brow elevation into a desired position with fixation and healing. A significant limitation of this procedure appears to be the ability to predict the long-term forehead and brow elevation. We review the anatomy relevant to forehead rejuvenation surgery and present our surgical technique for permanent fixation endoscopic forehead lifting. We discuss the scientific rationale for permanent fixation to ensure long-term forehead and brow position and draw our conclusions based upon the results of animal and clinical studies that have been completed.

Endoscopy↗
PubMed2001

The multivectorial subperiosteal midface lift.

Traditional rejuvenation on the midface has been predicated on extension of laterally based rhytidectomy techniques. Recently, attempts to improve this area have been performed through brow access points and are directed superolaterally. Transblepharoplasty approaches have in the past focused on limited rejuvenation of the immediate periocular area. The technique described in this article is a method by which the multiple directions of midfacial aging can be reversed and corrected with greater safety and better visualization than previously described.

Contraindications↗
PubMed2001

Augmentation of the cheeks, chin and pre-jowl sulcus, and nasolabial folds.

The demand for augmentation of central and lower facial features continues to increase. There are several safe and effective materials available for this purpose, and techniques have become highly refined. The relative strengths and weaknesses of silicone, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and merseline mesh are discussed for augmentation of the chin/pre-jowl sulcus and cheek. Materials for augmentation of the nasolabial folds (NLF) are also discussed. There are various forms of solid ePTFE that have been developed for soft tissue augmentation. These are particularly well suited for the NLF. Techniques for facial skeletal and soft tissue augmentation are presented.

Biocompatible Materials↗
PubMed2001

Collagen, human collagen, and fat: the search for a three-dimensional soft tissue filler.

As the body ages, not only are the soft tissues of the face subject to gravity but they also may undergo progressive atrophy. Suspensory procedures may return the tissues to a more youthful position, but the atrophic changes are left uncorrected and produce an aged appearance. Three-dimensional (3-D) soft tissue fillers ideally would replace the bulk that was lost. Safety, persistence, and verisimilitude to the native tissues should be optimal in useful 3-D fillers. To date, no such material has been described, but there has been a resurgence in natural materials for this purpose. This article serves as an update on human-derived soft tissue fillers.

Adipocytes↗
PubMed2000

Biology and chemistry of facial implants.

Facial implants have become increasingly more sophisticated in the past 10 to 15 years. The concept of "the ideal implant" has progressed from an inert material that interacts minimally with the host tissue to one that participates in the normal function of the tissues. A thorough understanding of their chemical properties is essential to understand the biologic events that occur around these materials after implantation. This article outlines the salient features of common materials encountered in facial implants used in plastic surgery.

Alloys↗
PubMed2000

Microtia reconstruction using a porous polyethylene framework.

We describe our method for reconstructing microtic auricles using a porous polyethylene framework in two stages. The first stage of the procedure involves rotating a superficial temporoparietal fascial (TPF) flap over the framework. The inferior two-thirds of this framework is next inset into a local temporal skin pocket, while the superior one-third is covered with a full thickness skin graft from the contralateral postauricular sulcus. Lobular transposition is commenced in a second stage procedure at the three-month postoperative period. Hearing restoration surgery is encouraged at a later date in selected patients with unilateral microtia. Use of the porous polyethylene framework permits a more expedient, less invasive, and more reliable method for auricular reconstruction than does the traditional method that employs costal cartilage.

Child↗
PubMed2000

Injectable fillers for facial soft tissue enhancement.

Soft tissue augmentation materials have been advocated for correction of post-surgical or post-traumatic facial defects, as well as for age-related folds and wrinkles. While autogenous tissues may be the safest option, they require a second operative site. Animal-derived or synthetic materials have been advocated since the late 19th century, and have waxed and waned in popularity. In recent years, we have gained a better understanding of the physical events that occur when material is placed within or below the skin. With this knowledge, we stand at the threshold of a new era, where soft tissue fillers can be designed and customized to suit the individual patient. This article will review the major materials that have been or are now advocated for use as soft tissue fillers, and will detail their relative strengths and weaknesses in order to give the clinician a better perspective when considering a material for soft tissue augmentation.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2000

Nasal reconstruction using porous polyethylene implants.

Nasal reconstruction presents a significant challenge to the facial plastic surgeon. The dual goals of reconstruction are restoration of the desired aesthetic nasal contour and an improved nasal airway. Autologous cartilage and bone are considered optimal grafting material, but their supply is often limited and harvesting entails additional morbidity. Many synthetic materials have been introduced in nasal reconstruction, but high infection and extrusion rates limited their use. Porous high density polyethylene implants present an alternative to autologous material as they allow for fibrovascular ingrowth, leading to stability of the implant and decreased rates of infection. Herein we describe the use of porous high density polyethylene implants for reconstruction of the platyrrhine nose and in revision rhinoplasty. The use of preformed nasal-dorsal tip and alar batten implants are described, as well as the use of columellar strut and premaxillary plumper implants. We believe that porous high density polyethylene implants provide a safe, desirable alternative in functional and aesthetic nasal reconstruction.

Biocompatible Materials↗
PubMed2000

Efficacy of serologic testing in asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to determine the efficacy of a detailed questionnaire, auditory brain stem response testing (ABR), MRI, and an extensive battery of serologic tests in diagnosing asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL). METHODS AND MATERIAL: Patients with audiograms demonstrating ASNHL of 10 dB or greater in 2 consecutive frequencies or 15 dB in any 1 frequency between 250 and 6000 Hz were asked to participate. Patients underwent MRI scanning of the cerebellopontine angle, internal auditory canals, and posterior fossa with gadolinium contrast, ABR, and an extensive battery of tests. The causative diagnosis was made by the individual clinician based on each patient's history, physical examination, and test results. RESULTS: Forty-five patients completed the study. A review of the data confirmed the utility of a detailed history and physical examination, MRI, and fluorescent treponemal antibody test in all cases. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, glycosylated hemoglobin, Lyme antibody titers, and total hemolytic component (CH50) were helpful in selected cases. Thyroid function testing, complete blood count, Sequential Multiple Analysis-7, prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin time, lipid profile, and ABR were of no value in these patients. CONCLUSION: A careful history and physical examination, MRI, and fluorescent treponemal antibody test should be performed for the evaluation of all patients with ASNHL; however, more extensive serologic testing, including sedimentation rate, glycosylated hemoglobin, Lyme antibody titers, and CH50, should be selectively performed, based on a suggestive history or suspicious physical findings.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Endoscopic foreheadplasty: a histologic comparison of periosteal refixation after endoscopic versus bicoronal lift.

Endoscopic brow lift techniques using temporary fixation rely on rapid readherence of the periosteum to calvarial bone. Little is known about the histologic events that occur during the early postoperative period after these procedures. An animal study was designed to compare and contrast periosteal fixation to bone and unelevated periosteum, with endoscopic and bicoronal brow lift techniques. One method of temporary fixation is the use of absorbable (polylactic/polyglycolic acid copolymer) LactoSorb screws; a histologic analysis of implanted LactoSorb screws was also performed. Sixteen rabbits underwent brow lifts; eight underwent endoscopic brow lift and fixation with LactoSorb screws without skin excision, and another eight underwent traditional bicoronal brow lift with skin excision and closure under tension. Animals were killed 1, 2, 6, and 12 weeks after the procedures were performed to evaluate the interaction of periosteum and bone and the normal, unelevated periosteum/calvarium interface at a site distant from the operative area. Histologic specimens were examined for the degree of apposition of periosteum to bone and for any fibrous or bony reaction at this interface. Histologic analysis showed various degrees of periosteal fibrosis and fixation to calvarial bone. After an initial phase of minimal periosteal adherence and moderate inflammation, the periosteum became progressively more adherent to bone in both groups, with no significant differences between treatment groups in rates of fixation. Fixation required at least 6 weeks. LactoSorb screws were surrounded by an area of mild inflammation and were progressively hydrolyzed and digested. Periosteal fixation increases over time for bicoronal and endoscopic brow lifts with minimal differences between the two techniques. With this animal model, periosteal adherence to calvarium requires at least 6 weeks with complete adherence by 12 weeks. In addition, the use of absorbable fixation screws seems to be both effective and well tolerated. The histologic changes associated with periosteal healing observed in this study suggest that permanent or semipermanent fixation may improve the accuracy and early postoperative maintenance of forehead advancement.

Absorption↗
PubMed1999

Teleconsultation in otolaryngology: live versus store and forward consultations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of interactive and delayed teleconsultations in otolaryngology. SETTING: Ambulatory clinic at an urban tertiary care facility. SUBJECTS: Forty-five adult patients with known or suspected upper aerodigestive tract pathology. INTERVENTION: Patients were interviewed by an otolaryngology chief resident (CR) using a standardized protocol; the results were presented to a board-certified otolaryngologist present locally (LBCO) and a remote physician viewing the encounter by video-conferencing elsewhere in the hospital (RBCO). The CR performed a complete otolaryngologic examination, including fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopy. The CR and LBCO viewed the examination on a video monitor; the RBCO viewed the same image on the video-conferencing monitor. Each physician independently recorded findings and rendered a diagnosis. A third board-certified otolaryngologist, who reviewed the stored data file (text and stored images) in a delayed fashion (DBCO), documented his findings and made a diagnosis. RESULTS: The CR and LBCO agreed on diagnosis in 92% (36 of 39) of cases. The LBCO and RBCO arrived at the same diagnosis in 29 of 34 (85%) cases. The DBCO agreed with the LBCO for 18 of 28 (64%) diagnoses. Agreement on management recommendations between the LBCO/DBCO pair were also lower than for the LBCO/RBCO pair. CONCLUSIONS: Both interactive and delayed techniques can be used to provide relatively accurate clinical consultations in otolaryngology. Telemedicine can be applied for subspecialty consultations, screening programs, remote emergency triage, second opinions, and resident education.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

A brave new world: telemedicine and the facial plastic surgeon.

Telemedicine is defined by the American Medical Association (AMA) as "the provision of health-care consultation and education using telecommunication networks to communicate information." Properly used, telemedicine can provide rapid and easy access to general and specialized medical care. Most telemedical programs have focused on general medical care, but telemedicine can be utilized for subspecialty care. However, technical financial, and legal restrictions must be addressed before more widespread use of telemedicine in facial plastic surgery. This article describes the opportunities and impediments presented to the facial plastic surgeon by telemedicine.

Computer Security↗
PubMed1999

A graduated approach to the repair of nasal septal perforations.

Septal perforation is an avoidable complication of septal surgery, but it can also occur because of a variety of traumatic, iatrogenic, caustic, or inflammatory reasons. Symptoms usually are related to disruption of the normally laminar flow of air through the nasal passages. Crusting, bleeding, parosmia, and neuralgia can develop, leading the patient to seek medical care. When local hygiene and conservative care are unsuccessful in relieving symptoms, closure of the perforation is considered. Repair is often difficult because of the limited exposure and limited amounts of friable mucosa with impaired vascular supply. The failure of attempted closure of septal perforations can be as high as 80 percent. The authors have developed a graduated approach to the closure of septal perforations that tailors the surgical approach to the size and location of the defect. Perforations 0.5 to 2.0 cm in size were closed in 92.9 percent (13 of 14) of patients using an extended external rhinoplasty approach and bilateral posteriorly based mucosal flaps. Larger perforations (2.0 to 4.5 cm) were closed in 81.8 percent (18 of 22) of patients by a two-staged technique, using a midfacial degloving approach to medially advance posteriorly based, expanded mucosal flaps. With careful preoperative management and selection of the appropriate surgical technique, even moderate-to-large perforations can be repaired reliably with limited operative morbidity.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

Reconstruction of the major saddle nose deformity using composite allo-implants.

The major saddle nose deformity leaves a patient with an obvious aesthetic deficit as well as an equally disturbing functional handicap. Reconstructing the collapsed dorsum and tip and simultaneously restoring nasal function present a formidable challenge which has elicited a wide variety of solutions ranging from the use of a toothbrush handle to split calvarial grafting. As Murakami et al pointed out, the "variability exists to a large extent, because the saddle nose deformity is not a single entity but rather a spectrum of abnormalities." Attempts to categorize saddle nose deformities are useful; however, they often lack the simple impact and clarity of the pre-operative photograph. Moreover, the categorizations have not led to a uniform approach to this complicated problem. Nevertheless, Tardy's classification of minimal, moderate, and major saddle nose deformities provides a helpful framework for discussion of reconstructive options. Minimal deformities demonstrate a supratip depression of 1 to 2 mm and are easily corrected with cartilage or fascial overlays. Moderate saddle nose deformities are characterized by a significant loss of dorsal height as well as columellar retraction and broadening of the bony pyramid. A major deformity demonstrates "all of the stigmata of the moderately saddled nose, only to a more marked degree." In Tardy's opinion, an open approach may be warranted in these cases. We offer one solution to the major saddle nose deformity using a composite allo-implant of porous high-density polyethylene (PHDPE) (Medpor surgical implants, Porex Surgical, Inc., College Park, GA) and purified acellular human dermal graft (Alloderm, Life Cell Corp., TX.). While we readily admit that autogenous tissue is the preferred grafting material, we have encountered patients in whom this is not an option. Major saddle nose deformities typically require more augmentation than stacked septal or auricular cartilage can provide. Additionally, in patients seeking revision rhinoplasty, sufficient donor septal or auricular cartilage is often lacking. Resorption of irradiated cadaveric rib grafts has led us away from this material. Split calvarial bone grafts are our next recommendation for these patients; however, many patients refuse this option. In these patients we have turned to a composite allo-implant of PHDPE and acellular human dermal graft for reconstruction of the collapsed dorsum and tip.

Biocompatible Materials↗
PubMed1998

Telemedicine applications in otolaryngology.

A prospective study of the use of realtime and store-and-forward teleconsulting was carried out in patients who presented to the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary for otolaryngology care. Forty-five patients were seen in the study. There were no significant differences between local and remote otolaryngologists when interpreting the examinations, indicating that transmission did not affect the ability of a qualified physician to make an accurate diagnosis. In the store-and-forward examinations only 62% of the electronic records provided sufficient information for a confident diagnosis. Records were judged inadequate primarily due to poor selection, or an insufficient number of stored images. The study demonstrates that both interactive and store-and-forward techniques can be used to provide accurate clinical consultations in nasopharyngolaryngoscopic examinations. However, since store-and-forward consultations include less information and do not provide immediate feedback, as well defined clinical protocol for assembling the electronic consultation is needed.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

Treatment of symptomatic chronic adenotonsillar hypertrophy with amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium: short- and long-term results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short- and long-term effects of treatment of symptomatic chronic adenotonsillar hypertrophy (CATH) with a 30-day course of amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium (AMOX/CLAV). PATIENTS: Children 2 to 16 years of age with obstructive symptoms attributable to CATH, who did not have a history of recurrent adenotonsillitis. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Ambulatory clinic of a tertiary care hospital. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly treated with 30-day courses of either placebo (PLAC) or AMOX/CLAV (40 mg/kg in 3 divided doses daily). OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients' signs and symptoms were assessed by physical examination and by both physician and parental forced-choice questionnaires 1, 3, and 24 months after treatment. The decision to proceed to surgery or to continue expectant management was made for all patients by the same physician, based on reported symptoms and physical findings. RESULTS: Treatment with a 30-day course of AMOX/CLAV significantly reduced the need for surgery in the short term compared with PLAC (37.5% vs 62.7%) at 1-month follow-up). The reduced need for surgery in the AMOX/CLAV-treated group persisted at 3 months (AMOX/CLAV 54.5% vs PLAC 85.7%) and 24 months (AMOX/CLAV 83.3% vs PLAC 98.0%). CONCLUSIONS: A 30-day course of AMOX/CLAV significantly reduces the need for surgery in children with obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy at 1-month follow-up. This relative reduction persists at 3 and 24 months posttreatment, although the absolute percentages of patients requiring surgery increased in both groups as time after treatment increased. The reduction in symptoms in AMOX/CLAV-treated patients is modest but significant even in long-term follow-up. The precise role of this treatment for CATH is yet to be determined; however, our results suggest that a 30-day course of AMOX/CLAV can be used in situations when a temporary relief in symptoms is desirable or surgery would incur unacceptable risk.

Adenoids↗